Turkish fans, especially those from league leaders,Trabzonspor are attacking Mikel Obi for calling on the Turkish football authority to follow other European Leagues and cancel the Turkish league due to the coronavirus.
The former Super Eagles captain and player of Trabzonspor, who was reacting to the coronavirus spread and how other European Leagues have temporarily called off their league, had taken to his social media page to post this message: He said:
“There is more to life than football. I do not feel comfortable and don’t want to play football in this situation. Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. The season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times,” he said.
The message although coming from a good place, did not go down well with some Turkish fans (Trabzonspor fans), as they trooped to his comment section to register their disappointment, one of the fans said:
“King we are so close to be champion after a long time and we have to, so just make your best and pray for people who are sick”
Another one said:
“Are you fucking kidding me? Do you know in what city you live? If you don’t want to play go f**cking Home”
“You can go if you don’t want to, no one can hold you hard, but we are willing to die for that jersey, and you don’t appreciate that jersey, so I’ll give my life to wear that jersey, you are still talking about fear”
“Don’t panic you are not in Europe in Turkey are only 5 persons with corona. We as normal people do our job you also must do your job for my opinion” another had said.
Mikel Obi signed for the Turkish side in 2019 after leaving Championship side Middlesbrough. The retired Super Eagles player signed 2-years agreement with a one-year option to transfer to our club, and he has done well with the club since joining.
The reactions from the fans is understandable, given that Trabzonspor are top of the table and could win the league this season, all things being equal. But again, they must understand that the lives of the players, their family, and that of the fans themselves are important and more than football.
The Turkish league is still on, but the top five leagues in Europe have been suspended, together with the Europa and Champions League game due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.